We continued with preaching the gospel to our own souls and Leviticus 19:33-34; Romans 12:9-21; and Luke 10:25-37.

The topic? Hospitality.

The study defines it:

“Biblical hospitality is focused on others, not self. It is focused on meeting other’s needs, not invoking self-admiration.”

“It is welcoming, befriending, and loving others because we have been welcomed, befriended, and loved by Christ.”

(Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 63)

If I am honest, it took me a long time to get this down. I felt inferior to others whose homes were beautiful, who could cook a gourmet meal, and could set a table perfectly.

Until the day, I shared leftovers with a friend who then commented, “This was the best meal I had all week.”

Now I am sure it was not the “best” meal but it was the best because we talked and shared from the heart as we ate. We prayed while the dishes were still on the table.

“Biblical hospitality is not just offering soup and bread or some sort of service. It is offering the bread of life …”

(Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 64)

What is biblical hospitality? How does it differ from what the world promotes as hospitality?

It was the words of Romans 12:13 that spoke to my heart: “contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality” (NASB).

It was those words which caught my attention. We will be practicing hospitality until the Lord calls us home. We won’t get it perfectly this side of heaven. But we will see hospitality in all its perfection when one day we receive the perfect and glorious hospitality, extended by Jesus, as we sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

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Mid week found us in Mark 12:28-34 and John 15:1-22. We are still talking about church (the gospel) and community.

As Christ changes us, we become changed in the way we interact with others – both near and far.

“We are called to love God and love others. Our love for God will manifest in our lives – in our words, thoughts, and deeds.”

(Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 72)

Our love for God changes every part of us.

It’s why we care for, and serve those, in our families, our churches, our communities, and then globally as well.

It is what motivates churches to care for missionaries abroad, pray for those living in other countries, and care about what is happening in our world.

“Our lives are marked by kindness and generosity to show the gospel so that we can share the gospel in clear words that come from the Word of God.”

(Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 73)

This is such a powerful statement. Our lives show the Gospel so that we can share the Gospel.

Based on today’s passages, how is our love for God connected to our love for our neighbors locally and globally?

Upon reading the familiar passages, I was struck by Mark 12:33. I am not sure I ever noticed the wording before:

“and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (NASB)

It’s “much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  Think on those words.

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We closed the week with 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15.

The topic: Work – both inside and outside of the church.

In reading the study guide, I realized I never truly saw my worth when I was earning an income. It was just what I did every day. I also never truly saw my worth when I was at home, when I finally gave up working to concentrate on raising our teenagers. And now in recent years, I haven’t seen my worth in watching our three granddaughters until they began school.

I’m not beating myself down. I am pointing out that most often we all just go about our days and do not pause long enough to see the importance of what we do every day. We are not aware of it’s value and influence on those around us.

The question to ask ourselves is:

“How can my gifts and abilities, in light of the opportunities before me, be used to best serve others and bring glory to God.”

(Preaching the Gospel to Yourself, by The Daily Grace Co., page 80)

Work is hard, whether in or out of our homes and families. We do not always see the immediate results or the fruits of our labors. And we long to see the outcomes. This is why we need to remind ourselves of the gospel.

We need these truths:

“And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.”
(1 Corinthians 7:17, The Message)

“Live and obey and love and believe right there.”

What are the implications in considering your work inside or outside of the home, with or without monetary compensation, as a calling from God?

Or, where has He called you to live and obey and believe?

Somehow I think as we answer this question, we may discover we are right where He would have us to be!

~*~*~

Hospitality,
caring and serving others –
important work which honors God and others.

 

Photo 1: Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Photo 2: Image by Shameer Pk from Pixabay
Photo 3: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .